Malacca Proclamation of Independence Memorial displays records and photographs on the early history of the Malay Sultanate. It's divided into several sections, the memorial also houses an extensive timeline covering the country’s journey to independence and the development of modern Malaysia.

Set up in 1912 in an elegant Dutch colonial mansion that used to house the Malacca Club making it the social centre of British colonial Melaka. Previous guests included novelist Somerset Maugham as well as an extensive selection of Malacca’s glitterati back in those days. The two golden onion domes flanking the top of the Proclamation of Independence Memorial’s portico beautifully embellish the already-stylish stark white stucco.

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial has permanent exhibits of historical photographs, dioramas, manuscripts, old currency, slide shows and films chronicling Malaysia’s fight for independence, all displayed in chronological order. Check out the beautiful table that the first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman used during the declaration of Merdeka. There is also an outdoor exhibit of the limousine used to convey the first prime minister to the site where he declared Malaysia’s independence.

It is said that novelist Maugham first heard the story that formed the basis of his famous short story (Footprints in the Jungle) here: in the short story both the Malacca Club and Malacca itself feature prominently.

The museum is set up right opposite Padang Pahlawan (also called Warrior’s Field), a large open area that forms the centre of the downtown area.